Overview

Arnica montana is a plant with a clump-forming habit in the genus Arnica, part of the Asteraceae family, with green foliage. Arnica montana grows best in full sun, and tolerates loam soils and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H4. Suggested uses include alpine gardens, borders and rockeries.

About

Arnica montana, also known as leopard's bane, mountain tobacco and mountain arnica, is a moderately toxic European flowering plant in the daisy family Asteraceae that has a large yellow flower head. The names "wolf's bane" and "leopard's bane" are also used for another plant, Aconitum, which is extremely poisonous.

Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Arnica montana

About the genus

Arnica is a genus of perennial, herbaceous plants in the sunflower family (Asteraceae). The genus name Arnica may be derived from the Greek arni, "lamb", in reference to the plants' soft, hairy leaves. Arnica is also known by the names mountain tobacco and, confusingly, leopard's bane and wolfsbane—two names that it shares with the entirely unrelated genus Aconitum.

Wikipedia contributors, "Arnica", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Arnica

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Arnica

Sunlight

Full sun

Soil type

Loam

Soil pH

Neutral

Soil moisture

Well-drained

Aspect

South-facing

Exposure

Sheltered

UK hardiness

H4

Plant details

Arnica montana size, habit and characteristics

Habit

Clump-forming

Foliage

Green

Suggested uses

Alpine gardens, borders, rockeries

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Arnica montana

Propagation

Division, seed

Pest resistance

High

Disease resistance

High

Frequently asked questions